Groves takes 'calculated risk' fight against Douglin

George Groves will defend his WBC silver super-middleweight title against Denis Douglin on the undercard of Nathan Cleverly and Tony Bellew's domestic grudge match in Liverpool on November 22.

Groves returns to action following a unanimous points victory over Christopher Rebrasse at Wembley Arena in September, in which he claimed the European and WBC silver belts and became mandatory challenger for Anthony Dirrell's WBC world title.

"I'm looking forward to getting back in the ring," Groves said. "This is a chance for me to impress on a big card. I plan to steal the show. It's a calculated risk, lose this fight and I lose my shot at Dirrell. But I want to stay active, I want to box as regularly as possible and I'm confident I can get the job done.

"I've good memories of fighting at the Echo Arena. It's been a happy hunting ground for me in the past. I fought my third professional fight there against Paul Samuels and I picked up a lot of fans in Liverpool that night. They're a lively bunch and I hope to bump into a few of them when I'm back in November."

American Douglin said: "This is a big opportunity for me. Win this fight and I'm a step closer to realising my dream of becoming world champion. Groves is a great boxer, it will be a tough fight but I'm ready to cause an upset. I'm coming to fight my fight and to beat Groves on his home turf."

Groves' clash with Douglin is part of an impressive bill in Liverpool topped by the rematch between bitter rivals Cleverly and Bellew. One of Groves' arch-enemies James DeGale takes on Marco Antonio Periban, while Liverpool's own Callum Smith faces Nikola Sjekloca in a WBC super-middleweight world title eliminator.

"We're pleased to get George out on another big UK show," said Groves' promoter Nisse Sauerland. "He will face a tough test against Douglin and cannot afford to look past him. George will need to approach this as if it were a world title fight or could risk losing the WBC mandatory position.

There are two big world title fights on the bill as Scott Quigg defends his WBA super-bantamweight title against Hidenori Otake, while WBA bantamweight champion Jamie McDonnell puts his belt on the line against Walberto Ramos.

Anthony Joshua will defend his WBC international heavyweight title against Michael Sprott in what will be a British title eliminator and super-featherweight Stephen Smith is also set for action.

"I'm delighted to add George to a huge night of British boxing on November 22 in Liverpool," Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn said. "You have three great supe-middleweights in action in George, James DeGale and Callum Smith, who are all in big fights. There will be plenty of drama on fight night and in the build-up."